The loss of so many of the trees surrounding Sherborne House as part of its now approved conversion and extension as an arts centre has been condemned as an act of “appalling environmental vandalism” by one resident, who fears it does not bode well for the subsequent developments.

Dean Carter has asked what justification there could be for the felling, particularly of the limes and holm oak which once framed the building.

He says it has deprived the town and house itself one of the most beautiful aspects of the site, and future visitors of their shade and beauty, birds of their nests, and everybody in the vicinity of the improved air quality they produced.

He estimated that about 50 per cent of the trees gracing the town centre which had so impressed him when he moved to Sherborne 20 years ago had subsequently been felled.

He said: “Other towns in Dorset appreciate and guard their greenery. Shaftesbury, for example, promotes walks around the town that take people to the most outstanding examples. What a pity Sherborne has no regard for its own assets in this way.”

The report to the planning committee which approved the new arts centre stated that the arboricultural schedule and methodology was acceptable, the loss of trees was justified and a comprehensive planting and landscaping plan accompanying the application ensured suitable replacements and enhancements.

The council’s tree officer was satisfied that the reports gave a fair assessment of the trees on site, and that the significant structural compromising of the large holm oak to the front of the property justified its removal. But the impact assessment survey reported that it was impossible to fully survey a number of limes preliminarily judged as fair and subsequently listed for removal because they were covered in ivy.

Proposals for landscaping and substantial new planting in plans produced by Marshall-James Garden Development Ltd and accompanied by detailed methodology and maintenance schedules, and adherence to them has been made a condition of approval.

The town council questioned whether a contribution could be made to secure replacement planting for lost trees on the site in the wider area, but the conclusion was that sufficient was proposed on site to adequately compensate for losses.

But arboricultural team leader Graham Cox commented that the new planting proposed was rather minimal, and a comprehensive landscape design was required, saying: “A well thought-out scheme would play a key part in providing the right setting for this grand old building.”

He was concerned that there should be greater variety in the structural planting of trees and larger shrubs.

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